Solar Rebates Coming to Missouri in 2010

The slow and tedious process of working out the details on how to implement Proposition C continues.  Prop C, passed by Missouri voters 2 to 1 last fall, mandates that investor owned utilities (IOUs) increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources to 15% by 2021, 2% of which must come from solar photovoltaics.  The law requires IOUs to provide a $2.00 rebate per installed watt of solar PV power starting January 1, 2010.  The rebate is limited to $50,000 for a 25kW system.

The Public Service Commission, charged with overseeing Missouri utility rates, has been conducting stakeholder meetings between Kansas City Power & Light, Ameren, solar & wind installers and other interested parties to determine the highly detailed rules for how to implement the renewable energy requirements.  Prop C rules will set the amount of renewable energy required each year and how the funding for the solar rebates and renewable energy credits (RECs) will be distributed, as well as determine if the renewable energy will be required to be generated and purchased in Missouri, or out of state.  While the $2.00 per watt rebates have largely been agreed upon, the market price and purchase requirements of the RECs is still under discussion. 

The Energy Savings Store has teamed up with other solar industry leaders in the state to form an industry trade association, MOSEIA (Missouri Solar Energy Industry Association).  MOSEIA is taking part in the Public Service Commission (PSC) meetings and working to ensure that the PSC develops appropriate rules for Proposition C.  We want to ensure that solar rebates and benefits stay in Missouri, helping to bolster our energy independence and creating jobs within Missouri’s borders.

So far much of the suggested language and requirements submitted by the solar industry have not been adopted.  The latest drafts do not include the language MOSEIA is pushing for, including requirements that utilities pay for at least 10 years of renewable energy credits from customers upfront, a simplified contract for customers and the requirement that the renewable energy come from Missouri.  We will continue to make our case for these and other requirements that benefit Missouri citizens.

The next steps are for PSC staff to present the draft rules, including the suggestions of various stakeholder groups, to the Commissioners.  The Public Service Commissioners will hold a hearing open to the public to collect input from the citizens.  This will be an important opportunity for you to submit comments asking the commission to establish a long-term energy plan that includes renewable energy from within Missouri’s borders.  

Missouri currently relies on Wyoming coal for more than 85% of our energy supply.  It is just good common sense to diversify our energy source, so that we don’t have all of our “eggs” in the coal “basket.”  Reliable renewable energy keeps Missouri businesses competitive and will protect homeowners from price spikes.  We need to keep our energy dollars in state and invest in clean renewable energy that creates jobs here and provides energy from non-depletable sources like the sun and wind.  

Coupled with new federal tax incentives, electricity generating solar photovoltaics are more affordable than ever in Missouri, and the industry is expected to grow quickly in 2010.  The solar industry is well positioned to meet that demand, producing Missouri jobs, supporting small businesses, and growing our local economies.

We expect the Public Service Commission hearing to be held within the next couple of months.  Watch for the announcement through our newsletter.  Please join the solar industry leaders in expressing your support of clean renewable energy for Missouri!

Thanks to Carla Klein for submitting this article.